Support for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
Introduction
The National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP) provides grants to fund supports that help family and informal caregivers care for their loved ones at home. In addition to caring for older adults, the NFCSP recognizes that there are approximately 2.6 million children being raised by their grandparents or other relatives1. As such, older relatives (not parents) age 55 and older who are providing care to children under the age of 18 are eligible for NFCSP funded support.
During this uncertain time of COVID-19 when children are home instead of at school, many of our partners have reached out to us to inquire about education and training for grandparents raising grandchildren. We are pleased to announce that Trualta is expanding the content library to include grandparent specific modules. Our first set of modules is complete, and includes:
Trauma-Informed Care
Researchers have found that most children that are being raised by their grandparents have experienced some form of trauma1. This module provides information about the importance of trauma-informed care and tactical strategies to provide this type of care.
Creating a Stable Routine:
Creating a stable routine has benefits for both the grandchild and the grandparent. Stable routines can help grandchildren feel safe and secure and reduce grandparents’ stress by helping day-to-day life go more smoothly.
Screen Time:
Grandparents often wonder whether digital media is good or bad for their grandchild’s development. This has only been heightened during COVID-19 as children are likely spending more time on screens than usual. This module teaches grandparents strategies to promote healthy screen habits among their grandchildren.
To access training for family caregivers, including grandparents of grandchildren, contact Leda Rosenthal, Director of Growth, at Leda@Trualta.com or 1-800-214-5085 ext 1.
References
- Generations United. (2017). State of Grandfamilies 2017. Loving Arms: The Protective Role of Grandparents and Other Relatives in Raising Children Exposed to Trauma. Washington, DC: Generations United.
